Mo Chou and Mo You stood guard outside the door. Qing Yao looked at the man inside the room, his face filled with unrestrained arrogance. He was exquisitely handsome, like the finest jade, smooth and lustrous.
He was none other than Emperor Xian, Mu Rong Liu Zun. He had gone to the palace to see the Empress Dowager the previous night and had returned without disguising himself. Seeing him like this, Qing Yao felt a moment of daze, but she quickly came to her senses and sat down opposite him.
Little Yu'er, however, hopped in front of him, examining him from all angles with satisfaction.
"Father Emperor, you look much better like this," she chirped.
Mu Rong Liu Zun smiled, his eyes becoming even more captivating. Compared to his handsomeness, her face was covered in red blotches, making her entire countenance look grim.
Little Yu'er seemed to realize this too. After praising her father, she turned to look at Qing Yao, biting her lip and remaining silent.
Qing Yao smiled with elegant acceptance, "What's wrong? It's just that I'm a bit ugly, it's not like I can't be seen."
Mu Rong Liu Zun's pupils deepened, and he spoke with a wild, enthralling voice, "Don't worry, Little Yu'er. Father Emperor has already obtained the antidote. Your mother's face will be well soon."
Upon hearing this, Little Yu'er excitedly turned to Emperor Xian, gazing at his unfathomable smile. She extended her tiny hand, "Father Emperor, where is the antidote?"
Emperor Xian produced the antidote, a single pill wrapped in white paper. The paper bore the words "Ugly Face Antidote."
Qing Yao took the antidote from Little Yu'er's hand, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. Based on her understanding of that man, he wouldn't have given up the antidote so easily. Why had Mu Rong Liu Zun obtained it so effortlessly?
The man on the soft couch spoke in a voice as deep and mellow as aged wine, "Yao'er, take it with peace of mind. I had my subordinates verify it; it's not poison."
While Duan Hun's medical skills might not have been as unfathomable as Gui Yi Wu Qing's, they were sufficient to distinguish between an antidote and poison.
"Mmm," Qing Yao nodded, throwing her head back and swallowing the antidote. As soon as it entered her mouth, it carried a fragrant scent. Her body felt warm and cozy, spreading throughout her.
In the room, Mu Rong Liu Zun and Little Yu'er watched her face intently. They saw a fine sheen of sweat appear on her brow, and slowly, the red blotches began to recede. The father and daughter immediately let out a sigh of relief, both filled with joy.
Little Yu'er exclaimed with delight, "Mother, you're really alright now! That's wonderful, you're truly a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms once more."
Mu Rong Liu Zun pursed his lips in a faint smile, showing no particular reaction. Even with the red blotches on her face, in his eyes, she still radiated brilliance and captivating charm. However, the woman before him was someone he was familiar with. His gaze deepened, becoming unfathomable.
Qing Yao unconsciously reached up to touch her face. Had the red blotches truly disappeared? A secret happiness bloomed within her. Women always desired to be beautiful. Yet, at this moment, her concern was not this, but something else.
"Your Majesty, what about Wu Qing's antidote?"
"Got it," a calm, contained voice replied, followed by the antidote being tossed over. It landed steadily in Qing Yao's hand.
Qing Yao held it, her eyes meeting his with a smile. She spoke softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll deliver the antidote, and then we'll leave here and return to Xian Yue."
She missed their home in Xian Yue City. At least she had her Prime Minister father. After drifting outside for so long, she felt a pang of homesickness.
Although she didn't originally belong here, everyone had a reliance. Previously, her reliance was Wu Qing. Now, she realized they relied on each other but also hurt each other. It was better to maintain a distance, leaving no room for others to interfere.
Wu Qing could never be ruthless towards his father, and she would only become his weakness.
"I'll escort you."
Emperor Xian moved, his tall frame rising like a small mountain in the room, radiating an aura of overwhelming power. Every gesture he made exuded a captivating, wild charm that shook people to their core.
"I'll go by myself."
Qing Yao spoke slowly. She didn't know how Wu Qing was doing now.
If Mu Rong Liu Zun appeared, would it affect his mood? This was their last meeting, and she didn't want him to be saddened.
"I won't go in; I'll wait for you in the carriage."
Emperor Xian walked towards the exit, his imposing presence allowing no room for Qing Yao to refuse. Qing Yao reluctantly stood up, leading Little Yu'er to follow his receding figure. Voices were heard outside the door. "Master," Chang Ting and Duan Hun called out. Upon seeing Qing Yao behind them, they hesitated on how to address her.
Because this woman had divorced the Emperor, and the Emperor had not specifically emphasized her status, they were unsure. However, upon seeing Little Yu'er, they immediately respectfully addressed her, "Little Princess."
Little Yu'er nodded and followed behind Qing Yao as they descended the stairs. Mo Chou and Mo You followed closely. The group descended the stairs in a grand procession.
They boarded the carriage through a side door. Because of Mu Rong Liu Zun's strikingly handsome face, and his presence in the Dan Feng Kingdom, the Empress Dowager, having already known, could not pretend ignorance. They were likely being monitored by people in secret, so it was best for them to leave quickly.
Emperor Xian made up his mind and turned to look at Qing Yao. Sunlight streamed through the silk curtains, illuminating her face, which was flawless and exceptionally beautiful.
In Mu Rong Liu Zun's mind, the scene of their wedding flashed. He still felt a sense of unwillingness. If possible, he truly wished he could marry her again, holding a wedding ceremony from their world.
The carriage was silent. Qing Yao remained quiet, contemplating how to broach the subject of leaving with Wu Qing.
Regardless of how Wu Qing had treated her father or caused her suffering, she had not forgotten one thing: he had taught her martial arts, gifted her the precious Huang Wei Qin, and bestowed his secret organization upon her.
All of this was a tremendous grace. Even if she did more for him, it would still be insufficient.
Qing Yao's eyes were a deep, shadowed hue until the carriage stopped. Mo You's voice was heard respectfully outside, "Master, we've arrived. Young Master Wu Qing resides in this inn."
With that, Mo Chou lifted the silk curtain, extending a hand to help Qing Yao alight. Little Yu'er had also intended to get down, but Qing Yao stopped her, her voice as clear as flowing water, "I'll be down soon. You all wait here."
"Mmm," Emperor Xian nodded, taking Little Yu'er's hand. The two of them watched her depart with deep gazes.
The sunlight was dazzling, like gold, scattering across the land. The inn was named Fu Lai Inn.
Although not as grand as a large restaurant, it was bustling with people, and its decor was quite upscale, making it more than just a simple inn.
As it was nearing noon, many people were dining. Qing Yao, dressed in snow-white robes and possessing a striking appearance, immediately drew many glances, most of them filled with envy.
For in the Dan Feng Kingdom, it was a world ruled by women. Among the crowds, women were the most prevalent, while men were often kept in the inner chambers.
A young waiter, a girl of about a dozen years, rushed forward, flicking the towel on her shoulder. She smiled brightly at the elegant and captivating woman and said respectfully,
"Guest, are you here to dine?"
"I want to see Young Master Wu Qing."
Qing Yao did not beat around the bush with the waiter, stating her purpose directly. Although the waiter was slightly disappointed, as a guest had arrived, she dared not be negligent. She smiled and replied, "Oh, you're looking for Young Master Wu Qing? Alright, please follow me."